Last Tuesday, ifThe Advertisernf witnessed the clamping of a car in Queen Street - it still remains parked in the street after its licence plates were removed by the Sheriff’s department and local police.

The car was unregistered since December 12, 2007, and had a number of outstanding warrants.

It is a timely reminder to pay fines, said the Department of Justice.

There are a staggering 80,411 outstanding warrants in the Loddon Mallee area; there are just over 250,000 people in the region. A Department of Justice spokesperson said warrants are issued for a number of reasons.

“Common offences for outstanding fines are vehicle-related offences such as speeding, parking offences, toll offences, and public transport offences; and non-vehicle-related offences such as failing to vote and Council offences,” she said.

The Department of Justice said last week’s clampdown was not part of a concentrated crackdown but routine work, and they said action can be avoided.

“There are measures to help people who are having difficulty paying fines. They can ask for extra time or apply for a payment plan to help manage their finances,” she said.

“Serious fine defaulters who have ignored reminders and court enforcement orders to pay their fines are subject to wheel clamping, or licence or registration suspension.”In 2006, the State Government boosted enforcement in road safety under the Fairer and Firmer Fines system, with tough new measures including wheel clamping and the suspension of drivers’ licenses. Cars that have been clamped have 48 hours to contact the Sheriff’s office or risk having the vehicle towed and sold at auction. Anyone with an outstanding fine can contact 1300 743 743 to make arrangements to pay their fines.